New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills (84) celebrates after he scores on a 46-yard touchdown during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, October 19, 2014. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)

(Michael DeMocker)

Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills said he was caught off guard by his trade to the Miami Dolphins on Friday but was ready for the fresh start.

"Definitely, I would say I was surprised," Stills said. "I'm surprised with everything that's going on in free agency, and throughout the league. I'm happy to be here. I was really happy with my time in New Orleans. I had a great time there and learned a lot from Drew and the rest of the guys and coach (Sean) Payton."

Stills said he was working out in the gym when he got the news.

"It's a whirlwind," he said. "It's different. I was surprised. I was excited. I had a bunch of emotions. It's a fresh start, a new chapter in my life."

Miami Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey said the team had long been impressed with Stills, who has 95 receptions for 1,572 yards in his two years in the NFL with the Saints.

"We've had him on our radar for a long time," Hickey said. "We did a lot of research and watched him as a player."

Hickey said several players vouched for Stills as a player and a teammate. Dolphins running back Damien Williams was Stills' roommate at Oklahoma. Stills is also friends with Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry, a New Orleans area native and former LSU player.

Stills posted a message on Twitter on Saturday thanking the people of New Orleans for his time with the Saints.